Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps (2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", United States Marine Corps)

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class George Lilja (MCSN: 267813), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group, on 19 September 1944. The only bazooka operator left in his company during an attack against enemy positions deeply entrenched in the coral hills north of the airfield on Peleliu, Private First Class Lilja fought the fanatic Japanese with determined fury, pushing tenaciously over the rocky ground and tangled ravines to deliver his shattering fire against numerous hostile caves and emplacements which, safe from our machine guns and rifles, poured a merciless rain of devastating crossfire on our troops. Fearlessly risking his life, he ranged the entire front area, carrying his unwieldy weapon and heavy ammunition load up and down the ridge despite intense heat and unceasing enemy barrages and, boldly employing his daring assault tactics in support of each platoon in turn, consistently blasted the heavily defended Japanese caves, neutralizing many strong points and materially furthering the advance of our forces. When his company was held up by deadly volleys from a powerful enemy pillbox on the opposite slope while attempting to cross the open ridgeline that afternoon, he valiantly proceeded under the withering hail to an exposed position on the ridge and, placing his bazooka fire with extreme accuracy, succeeded in silencing the heavy Japanese installation before he fell, mortally wounded by gunfire from another source. An indomitable fighter, Private First Class Lilja, by his intrepid initiative, resolute fortitude and sustained aggressiveness in the face of terrific opposition, contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of this vital enemy stronghold, and his great personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty throughout this period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 1297 (1 March 1945).
Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps